Poker Masters: Lehr Triumphs in $15K Event, Negreanu Leads $26K Event, and Mateos is Bubble Boy Again

The Poker Masters 2026 series in the Las Vegas PokerGO Studio has unfolded another dramatic story. Experienced player Keith Lehr made a sensational comeback in heads-up play to claim victory in Event #8 and pocket $277,200. Meanwhile, attention swiftly turned to the penultimate event of the series, the $26K NLH, where Daniel Negreanu commands the final table, and overall leaderboard leader Adrian Mateos faced yet another unbelievable unlucky moment.

Veteran Keith Lehr Strikes in Heads-Up Thanks to River Cooler

Event #8: $15,700 NLH drew 56 entries, resulting in a prize pool of $840,000. At the end of the opening day, Event #7 champion Jeremy Ausmus departed in 8th place, and Event #2 winner Nicholas Palma finished in 6th.

The final day began with the top five players, led by Vitalijs Zavorotnijs, who had a chance for a second triumph in the series. After 17-time PGT champion Sam Soverel was eliminated in 5th and Nicholas Seward in 4th, Event #6 champion Justin Vaysman also exited.

In the heads-up, Zavorotnijs faced Lehr, holding a nearly 2:1 advantage. Lehr, however, pulled off a successful double-up with his K h K c against 4 s 4 d and soon after claimed victory in a brutal conclusion.

In the decisive hand, Zavorotnijs went all-in on the turn with T s 5 s Q c K s. Lehr called with K c Q s and watched in surprise as his opponent revealed a straight with A s J c. However, the river Q h delivered a saving full house for Lehr, earning him the trophy and $277,200.

WOW... what a way to win it! Keith Lehr takes the title in Event #8! pic.twitter.com/TBTzFBwiKQ
— PokerGO (@PokerGO) October 21, 2026

Results of Event #8: $15,700 No-Limit Hold'em

Place	Player	Country	Prize
1.	Keith Lehr	USA	$277,200
2.	Vitalijs Zavorotnijs	Latvia	$176,400
3.	Justin Vaysman	USA	$117,600
4.	Nicholas Seward	USA	$84,000
5.	Sam Soverel	USA	$67,200
6.	Nicholas Palma	USA	$50,400
7.	Daniyal Gheba	USA	$33,600
8.	Jeremy Ausmus	USA	$33,600

Adrian Mateos Turns Bubble Boy for the Fifth Time

Event #9: $26K NLH saw 50 registrations, with the prize pool soaring to $1,250,000. Cash prizes await the top 8 players, and the winner will receive $412,500.

The most significant storyline so far involves Spanish star Adrian Mateos. The current leader in the Purple Jacket standings suffered incredible misfortune once again, exiting on the money bubble (9th place) after his J s 4 h fell short against T c 3 c from Daniyal Gheba following a three on the flop.

Mateos set a remarkable and unfortunate record, becoming a bubble boy for the fifth time in a single Poker Masters 2026 festival. Yet, the Spanish sensation still leads the series standings.

With two events to go, Adrian Mateos leads in the race for the prestigious Poker Masters Purple Jacket.

Nick Palma is closest, but time is running short to catch Mateos.https://t.co/ozh7tzP5GI pic.twitter.com/2ZFkd16MKq
— PGT (@PokerGOTour) October 22, 2026

After David Coleman was eliminated in 8th, 7 finalists advanced to the final day, each guaranteed at least $50,000. The chipleader position is held by Canadian poker legend Daniel Negreanu.

Current Standings of Event #9: $26,000 No-Limit Hold'em

Position	Player	Country	Stack
1.	Daniel Negreanu	Canada	2,205,000
2.	Nicholas Seward	USA	1,700,000
3.	Daniyal Gheba	USA	1,120,000
4.	Brandon Wilson	USA	755,000
5.	Sean Perry	USA	570,000
6.	Matthew Wantman	USA	530,000
7.	Jesse Lonis	USA	525,000

Sources: PGT, X